by Kirby Hasseman
It’s becoming a bit overwhelming, isn’t it? Studies have said that 89% of what you see in the world is negative, and right now that seems really low. Between COVID-19, Racial injustice, arguments online, and an Election Year, the level of negativity is off the charts. As a culture, we seem to be drowning in it. It makes giving out joy even more important than ever before.
Why Joy Is More Important Than Ever
In my book “The Give First Economy” I pointed out that the strategy of giving out joy was solid because it helped you stand out. If nearly 90% of what you (and your customers) see in the world is negative, then you can stand out by pushing out good vibes. This is still a powerful marketing strategy, in my opinion. In today’s world, however, it’s not enough. There is just so much heaviness, and anxiety, and worry, and hate surrounding us, pushing out joy can become more than that.
3 ways to become a Beacon of Joy.
Much like sailors lost in a rough sea, many of our friends and customers are struggling. They are fighting to keep their lives and their mental health on track. It can seem overwhelming. We need something to help keep us on track. We can act as that lighthouse in the storm for the people in our life. Here are 3 ways to be that Beacon of Joy for others.
Seek Out Joy
As I mentioned, our culture is drowning in the negative. While there are still stories of hope, you have be intentional to look for them. Make it a habit to look for joyful messages to start your day. Meditate on things you are grateful for. Spend time each day actively looking for the good in your life. The fact is, you will not be able to push out anything joyful if your brain is full of anger. You need to take care of yourself first. Spend some time each day to find something that brings you joy in the world. It’s there. But sometimes, you really do have to seek out joy.
Point Out Joy
When you see something, say something! There are people in every community doing good. Unfortunately, these people are often not lauded for their efforts. Be one of the people that shines a light on those joyful souls. Spend a moment (and sometimes that is all it takes) to say “thank you” to those that are working to create joy. In addition, be their cheerleader. Point out the good they are doing…even when it has nothing to do with you. Help them spread their message of good by pointing out the joy you see in the world.
Give Out Joy
If the world needs to see more joy, it’s time for you to be the light. Each of us has the opportunity to be a reason someone smiles today. Most, unfortunately, are not willing to do the work. You can be the beacon by looking for ways to breathe joy into people’s lives. You might do this be simply being kind. Or you might create videos or a podcast that meets people where they are. Despited the challenges facing the world today, there are so many tools that allow us to push out our message…if we choose to do it.
Today…choose to do it. Be a beacon of joy today. The world needs it.
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by Kirby Hasseman
I have been talking about the idea of “giving first” in your sales and marketing strategy on this blog for a while. It’s a concept I am passionate about. I believe in it. I have written blog posts about it and I have spoken about it.
As of today, I have written a book about it too! The Give First Economy (and how to succeed in it) is officially available for sale and I would love it if you would check it out. The simple concept behind the book is this, in today’s world I believe the entrepreneurs, sales professionals, companies and organizations that provide value upfront will win. Why? It’s simple. In this “give first economy” we have the ability to build relationships with our prospects and customers. When we do that, we create the chance for long-term success.
And…as a side note…the Audiobook is now available too!
But make no mistake, this path is not easy.
Creating a business that “gives first” will take time and hard work. That is why the 2nd half of the book focuses on the art of getting more done. This part of the book is based on the science of the brain and studies that back it up.
So if you are interested in creating a business or organization that grows by doing business (and life) “the right way,” the first part of the book is for you. If you want to have science based principles that will help you get more accomplished, part two of the book should help you!
Want to get your own copy of the new book? You can get it here!
Are you a person that would rather listen than read? We have you covered. The audiobook is HERE!
And if you want to get your digital copy, the ebook is here (and for this week you can get it for free)
Thanks so much for continually reading this blog and supporting us as we try to spread #MarketingJoy! We really do try to “give first” and hope to help you do the same.
Want to learn more about Hasseman Marketing? Great! Head over to our About us page here!
by Kirby Hasseman
I believe we are living in a “Give First Economy.” What I mean by this (and I talk about it more here) is that the best and most successful brands, salespeople, entrepreneurs, etc. provide value up front. They “give” before they go for the sale. This is great for people who want to “do business right,” because they are poised to do this anyway. They want to help. But there is one mistake that I see people make all of the time around this “give first” economy. They want to say “thank you,” but they mix it up.
Let me explain. I got a box in the mail the other day from one of our suppliers. They are a great company, and we do a decent amount of business with them. The box said it had a gift inside, so I was excited to break it open. Let’s face it, it’s always nice to get a “thank you gift.” However, when I opened the package, there was a sales flyer and samples. Don’t get me wrong. They were nice samples. They even had good information on the sales flyer. It was a quality sales piece…and it got me to open the box.
But it was NOT a thank you gift. It was a sales pitch.
I immediately felt duped. I was a disappointed. I went from being excited to being (mildly) annoyed.
It was not the most egregious mistake in the world. It’s not like I won’t forgive them. But I guarantee you it was not what they wanted me to feel (at least I hope not).
So just a quick word of advice for Succeeding in the Give First Economy; don’t mix up appreciation and sales. If you want to say “thank you,” then just do that. Show the appreciation. Be sincere. Give first. Don’t work in a sales pitch. You are smart enough to see through that…and so are your customers and prospects. It takes away from the original intent. It also decreases the likelihood that I open the next package.
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by Kirby Hasseman
But what if… One of the push backs I get when I talk about “Success in the Give First Economy” is, if I push out good ideas and value (and I push it out first, before asking) someone might take advantage of me. It’s a fair question. And let’s be honest, it might happen. So let’s take a look at a few of these questions (it comes in a variety of forms)…and I will address a couple here. But what If I give away value to prospects, they might shop me out.This usually comes from a “creative” solution provider. The idea being, if I give you ideas or artwork or something in advance of our agreeing to work together, you might take the idea and shop me out. It’s possible…and it happens. First, if this happens, this prospect has shown their hand. They are the type of client that will do that. Now you get to decide if you want to work with someone like that’ It’s your call. This has certainly happened to me. And when it does, I can jump up and down and complain and cry. Or I can move onto another prospect or client that values me and my time. But what if I share a cool idea on social media, my competition might steal it.I hear this one a lot and I think it’s a lot of worry about nothing. The real truth is, most people won’t do anything with it. That’s why I generally feel like ideas are worthless. It’s all in the execution. Most of the time, your competition is not interested in that much work. But what if I share who I am working with, someone might swoop in and take my client.There is plenty of business out there for all of us…regardless of industry. Most likely, your competition already knows your client exists. You sharing that you work with them is not going to tip them over the edge. “Oh my goodness, XYZ company buys stuff!” As a matter of fact, this is exactly why you need to continue to provide value! That will help you solidify your relationship so you can continue to grow. Make sure you never miss an update! Sign up for our VIP newsletter here.
by Kirby Hasseman
Since I started writing this blog every day, I have many times when I wondered whether or not to keep going. The obvious goal (or at least it seems obvious to me) is to provide a ton of value to the people reading. If I can do that over time, the audience will grow. If I continue to do that over time, this will ultimately affect them in a positive way (and help grow our business). I feel like that is growing a business the right way. But make no mistake. There are have been times when I question whether it is worth it. I wonder if anyone cares. I wonder if it IS providing value. I wonder if it’s worth it. This is not a cry for help or a plea for attention. It’s just an honest assessment of time. Coming up with ideas each day, and clackety clacking the keys in order to create this, is a real investment. If I am doing this, I am not doing something else. Then, though, I am reminded of a few things. First, I really do think this is the right thing to do. Whether or not I create any short term sales with this strategy is really not the point. It would be nice, sure. But I really believe we are in a “Give First Economy.” As I mention here, if I believe that, then I want to provide value up front. Reconnecting with that helps. Next, I am reminded that I never know what will provide value! Sometimes I will write an article that I think everyone NEEDS to read. I am convinced that this article will really help people (like this one)...and no one really cares. Then I crank out a piece quickly, and I assume the world will ignore it, and it catches fire (like this one). I point this out because, if I believe my goal is to provide value (and I do) and I am not sure what will resonate (and I am not), then I just need to keep showing up. I need to have a cup of coffee, wipe the sleep from my eyes, and get back to work. My guess is…you do too. Here’s to making a difference. Make sure you sign up for our VIP newsletter below. Become a VIP…and get all of the content we create once a week!
